The National Institute of Dramatic Art

Sydney, Australia

The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) is Australia's national dramatic arts educator and innovator, offering training in the full suite of skills necessary to create and deliver entertainment experiences across theatre, film, television, dance, opera, commercials, musicals, festivals, live events, and interactive gaming

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Sydney, Australia

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Experience Exceptional Student Facilities & Services at The National Institute of Dramatic Art

The NIDA Kensington campus is home to a range of state-of-the-art rehearsal and performance venues. The campus includes the Rodney Seaborn Library, created in 1980 and renamed in 2002, which is recognised as one of Australia's leading performing arts-based libraries. The library holds over 40,000 items on-site, including over 11,000 playscripts, 18,000 books, and 3,500 DVDs, with over 4,000 streaming videos and 8,000 eBooks available online. NIDA also offers courses in Sydney and Melbourne, with the main campus located in Kensington, Sydney.

Sports Offered

Swimming

Activities Offered

Clubs/ Societies/Organizations

Art at The National Institute of Dramatic Art

Art

Music

In-House Facility

Fully equipped Gym

Swimming pool

Infrastructure

Student Support

NIDA provides counselling services that offer a safe, confidential space to talk through personal, emotional, or study-related concerns, with access to up to 10 free 50-minute sessions per year for all students. The Student Services office is located on the ground floor of the campus and can be reached at (02) 9697 7686 or via email at [email protected]. NIDA students have access to UNSW Health Service, a fully accredited general medical practice offering both face-to-face and telehealth appointments, with doctors who can assist with mental health, sexual health, injuries, vaccinations, contraception, and more. The UNSW Religious Centre is open to NIDA students of all faiths, offering inclusive and interfaith spaces for prayer, reflection, guidance, and community.

Student Life

At NIDA, students receive globally-renowned arts education and training, with resources for domestic and international students ranging from financial assistance to health and wellbeing resources. NIDA provides students with the tools to showcase their best ideas, with excellent training and resources giving students the freedom to explore their imaginations. Students meet like-minded peers on the same journey, forming connections across disciplines that they take through life, and NIDA's state-of-the-art facilities allow students to put their skills into action with student productions attended by the public and industry. NIDA students are also welcome to join Arc UNSW, the student organisation at UNSW, with free membership providing access to clubs, societies, events, and activities. Student-led groups include Neurokin, a peer support group for neurodivergent students, and the First Nations & POC Student Network.

Student accommodation at The National Institute of Dramatic Art

Housing facilities (Accommodation)

NIDA does not have on-campus accommodation for students, and students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. However, NIDA's relationship with UNSW means that NIDA students can apply for accommodation at various UNSW on-campus residential options. NIDA students often share rented accommodation in areas close to campus, and once enrolled, students gain access to online boards and forums where shared accommodation options are often available. Most NIDA students live in share houses in Kensington, Randwick, Coogee, Kingsford, or Maroubra, and Sydney's rental market can be expensive and competitive, so beginning the search as early as possible is recommended.

Student Safety

NIDA is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students, with zero tolerance for gender-based violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, coercion, or any unwanted sexual behaviour. NIDA has a Student Code of Conduct that requires students to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others during NIDA activities and to comply with security and access requirements. UNSW Security Service provides random patrols in the evenings and on weekends, and students are reminded to carry their NIDA identification card at all times as security guards may require proof of identity after hours. Video CCTV surveillance cameras are in operation 24 hours a day, and security and safety of the NIDA community is of paramount importance.

Career services at The National Institute of Dramatic Art

Career Support

NIDA provides one-of-a-kind opportunities for students to get their work in front of industry leaders, professionals, and new audiences, with Australian and international guest artists, directors, writers, and other professionals sharing their industry expertise each year. NIDA has a 90 per cent success rate for employment within 12 months of graduation, with students gaining hands-on and practical learning and mentoring that builds inroads into the industry. The partnership with Australians in Film (AiF) offers professional development and support for students and alumni looking to explore screen careers in Hollywood and beyond, providing access to space at AiF's West Hollywood studio lot office and personalised support including one-on-one meetings. This partnership benefits graduates and alumni across all NIDA disciplines including Design for Performance, Dramatic Writing, Directing, Costume, Specialist Make-up, Props and Effects, Cultural Leadership, Set Construction, and Technical Theatre and Stage Management.